Background: In children, video game experience improves spatial performance, a predictor of surgical performance. This study aims at comparing laparoscopic virtual reality (VR) task performance of children with different levels of experience in video games and residents. Participants and methods: A total of 32 children (8.4 to 12.1 years), 20 residents, and 14 board-certified surgeons (total n = 66) performed several VR and 2 conventional tasks (cube/spatial and pegboard/fine motor). Performance between the groups was compared (primary outcome). VR performance was correlated with conventional task performance (secondary outcome). Results: Lowest VR performance was found in children with low video game experience, followed by those with high video game experience, residents, and board-certified surgeons. VR performance correlated well with the spatial test and moderately with the fine motor test. Conclusions: The use of computer games can be considered not only as pure entertainment but may also contribute to the development of skills relevant for adequate performance in VR laparoscopic tasks. Spatial skills are relevant for VR laparoscopic task performance.
Gallagher AG , Cowie R., Crothers I., Jordan-Black JA, Satava RMPicSOr: an objective test of perceptual skill that predicts laparoscopic technical skill in three initial studies of laparoscopic performance. Surg Endosc. 2003; 17:1468-1471.
2.
Keehner MM, Tendick F., Meng MV, et al. Spatial ability, experience, and skill in laparoscopic surgery . Am J Surg. 2004;188:71-75.
3.
Wanzel KR, Hamstra SJ, Anastakis DJ, Matsumoto ED, Cusimano MDEffect of visual-spatial ability on learning of spatially-complex surgical skills. Lancet. 2002;359:230-231.
4.
Eyal R., Tendick F.Spatial ability and learning the use of an angled laparoscope in a virtual environment. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2001 ;81:146-152.
5.
Risucci D., Geiss A., Gellman L., Pinard B., Rosser J.Surgeon-specific factors in the acquisition of laparoscopic surgical skills . Am J Surg. 2001;181:289-293.
6.
Seymour NE, Gallagher AG, Roman SA, et al. Virtual reality training improves operating room performance: results of a randomized, double-blinded study. Ann Surg. 2002;236:458-464.
Grantcharov TP, Bardram L., Funch-Jensen P., Rosenberg J.Impact of hand dominance, gender, and experience with computer games on performance in virtual reality laparoscopy. Surg Endosc. 2003;17:1082-1085.
9.
Enochsson L. , Isaksson, B., Tour R., et al. Visuospatial skills and computer game experience influence the performance of virtual endoscopy. J Gastrointest Surg. 2004;8: 874-880.
10.
Rosenthal R. , Gantert WA, Scheidegger D., Oertli D.Can skills assessment on a virtual reality trainer predict a surgical trainee’s talent in laparoscopic surgery ? Surg Endosc. 2006;20:1286-1290.
11.
Rosser JC, Lynch PJ, Cuddihy L., Gentile DA, Klonsky J., Merrell R.The impact of videogames on training surgeons in the 21st century. Arch Surg. 2007;142:181-186.
12.
Subrahmanyam K., Kraut RE, Greenvield PM, Gross EFThe impact of home computer use on children’s activities and development. Future Child. 2000;10:123-144.
13.
Subrahmanyam K., Greenfield PMEffect of video game practice on spatial skills in girls and boys. J Appl Dev Psychol. 1994 ;15:13-32.
14.
Greenfield PM, Camaioni L., Ercolani P., Weiss L., Lauber BA, Perucchini P.Cognitive socialization by computer games in two cultures: inductive discovery or mastery of an iconic code? J Appl Dev Psychol. 1994;15:59-85.
15.
Greenfield PM, DeWinstanley P., Kilpatrick H., Kaye D.Action video games and informal education: effects on strategies for dividing visual attention. J Appl Dev Psychol. 1994;15:105-123.
16.
Greenfield PM, Brannon C.Two-dimensional representation of movement through three-dimensional space: the role of video game expertise. J Appl Dev Psychol. 1994;15:87-103.
17.
Griffiths M.The educational benefits of videogames. Educ Health. 2002;20(3):47-51.
18.
Green CS, Bavelier D.Action video game modifies visual selective attention. Nature . 2003;423:534-537.
19.
McDougall EM , Corica FA, Boker JR, et al. Construct validity testing of a laparoscopic surgical simulator. J Am Coll Surg. 2006;202:779-787.
20.
Yamaguchi S. , Konishi K., Yasunaga T., et al. Construct validity for eye-hand coordination skill on a virtual reality laparoscopic surgical simulator. Surg Endosc. 2007;21: 2253-2257.
21.
Ayodeji ID, Schijven M., Jakimowicz J., Greve JWFace validation of the Simbionix LAP Mentor virtual reality training module and its applicability in the surgical curriculum. Surg Endosc . 2007;21:1641-1649.
22.
Andreatta PB , Woodrum DT, Birkmeyer JD, et al. Laparoscopic skills are improved with LapMentor training: results of a randomized, double-blinded study. Ann Surg. 2006;243: 854-863.
23.
R Development Core Team.R: A Language and Environment for Statistical Computing. Vienna, Austria: R Foundation for Statistical Computing ; 2010. http://www.R-project.org . Accessed June 11, 2010.
Kolga Schlickum M., Hedman L., Enochsson L., Kjellin A., Felländer-Tsai L.Transfer of systematic computer game training in surgical novices on performance in virtual image guided surgical simulators. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2008;132:210-215.
26.
Boot WR, Kramer AF, Simons DJ, Fabiani M., Gratton G.The effects of video game playing on attention, memory, and executive control . Acta Psychol (Amst). 2008;129:387-398.
27.
Erickson KI , Boot WR, Basak C., et al. Striatal volume predicts level of video game skill acquisition. Cereb Cortex. 2010;20:2522-2530.
28.
Shane MD, Pettitt BJ, Morgenthal CB, Smith CDShould surgical novices trade their retractors for joysticks? Video-game experience decreases the time needed to acquire surgical skills. Surg Endosc. 2008;22:1294-1297.
29.
Moore AK, Grow DR, Bush RW, Seymour NENovices outperform experienced laparoscopists on virtual reality laparoscopy simulator. JSLS. 2008;12:358-362.
30.
Badiru ABComputational survey of univariate and multivariate learning curve models . IEEE Trans Eng Manage. 1992;39:176-188.
31.
Hwang CS, Pagano CR, Wichterman KA, Dunnington GL, Alfrey EJResident versus no resident: a single institutional study on operative complications, mortality, and cost. Surgery. 2008;144:339-344.
32.
Hwang CS, Wichterman KA, Alfrey EJThe cost of resident education. J Surg Res. 2010;163:18-23.
33.
Rosenthal R. , Weber WP, Zwahlen M., et al. Impact of surgical training on incidence of surgical site infection. World J Surg. 2009;33:1165-1173.
